Antonelli reveals brutal post-Spa message from no-nonsense father

Leading the Formula 1 standings might grant Kimi Antonelli immunity from many things, but parental chastisement certainly isn't one of them.

Behind the scenes of the young Italian’s meteoric rise is a relationship built on unwavering support, but also on a level of honesty that leaves little room for complacency.

Marco Antonelli has been his son's biggest ally throughout his career, yet he is equally comfortable delivering some sharp reminders when he feels they are needed.

And after the Belgian Grand Prix, where the 19-year-old collected track limits penalties after pushing the boundaries too aggressively, his father made sure the message was received loud and clear.

The warning that came after Spa

Antonelli has developed a reputation for extracting every possible inch from his Mercedes, sometimes literally. His willingness to run beyond track limits has occasionally landed him in hot water with the stewards, as was the case at Spa where he picked up multiple warnings.

F1’s championship leader admitted he knows the habit must be addressed before it costs him more significantly.

“I guess you guys know I like to use the track sometimes a bit too much,” the 19-year-old told the media.

“So it's something that I'm trying to work on. I mean, I look back at Spa and the two track limits I did were very stupid. I was like, ‘What the heck am I doing?’

“It's a bit like Barcelona as well, and Miami. I just feel that it's something I need to work on for sure, because at some point in a race I might need to use them. But if I use them when I don't need to, then I might find myself in trouble. So for sure, it's something that I'm working on.”

Then came the post-race conversation with his father – a trademark mixture of affection and tough love.

“And definitely my dad, one of the first things he told me after the race, he said, ‘Congrats, but’ – there’s always a but – ‘If I see you getting another track limits warning for nothing, I'm going to stretch your neck like a chicken!’

‘Those were his words. So yeah, it's something I need to definitely work on…”

The colourful threat was clearly delivered with humour, but the message behind it was serious: even a driver leading the championship cannot afford unnecessary mistakes.

The man behind the Mercedes star

While Antonelli laughed about his father's uncompromising approach, he was also quick to highlight the role Marco has played in building the foundation for his Formula 1 success.

For all the pressure and expectations surrounding his first full season with Mercedes, Antonelli believes having familiar voices around him has been crucial in keeping him grounded.

“I think the fact of having a great team around me, having a great family around me, has helped me throughout this journey so far,” Antonelli said.

“And it’s still doing [that], of course. Obviously, I've been with Mercedes since 2018, so I've been growing up with them, and being able to as well get to know the people more inside out, helps as well in Formula 1.

“Also, having a great relationship with them helps to enjoy the weekend much more, and that allows you as well to be freer. So I think it's all little bits that add to the performance.

“And then of course my family, who have been supporting me all the way. Of course, they still do. But obviously, my dad is kind of like my rock, because we share so many things together, and I always like hearing his point of view after sessions, after a race, after Qualifying, because that's what we've been doing ever since karting.

“And also having someone like him next to me in this journey, especially in a year like this, is very important to have that family support, especially from someone who knows me better than anyone.

• Read also: Antonelli embraces stardom – but misses 'not being recognised'

“So for sure he is still playing a massive role, and it's also together with the team that helped me to develop, to grow, to mature as a person, and that's also what is making the biggest difference compared to last year, for example.”

Antonelli's success has been powered by Mercedes' machinery and his own extraordinary talent, but his championship campaign is also being shaped by a voice that has been there since the beginning – one that celebrates the victories, then immediately points out what still needs fixing.

For a driver chasing greatness, Marco Antonelli's "congrats, but..." philosophy might just be the toughest advantage in his corner.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook